An Update from Wendy Doyle: Entrepreneurship & Occupational Licensing Reform in 2021
On May 20, I had the pleasure of speaking at a forum organized by the Kauffman Foundation. The event, titled “Access to Opportunity: Creating a Level Playing Field for Entrepreneurship,” provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to share research, insights, and experiences on entrepreneurship.
Our research shows that there are barriers for women entrepreneurs, despite women-owned businesses being on the rise. According to a report by the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than half of women business owners are the breadwinners in their families. And among women of color, it’s an even greater share — 65% — and these breadwinning entrepreneurs are being disproportionately affected.
United WE is committed to studying, educating and supporting occupational licensing reforms. We’ve seen that occupations primarily held by women are often among those that require licensure specific to state requirements. Today I’d like to share a few key takeaways with you to show why we are committed to understanding the challenges for entrepreneurs, and advocating for occupation licensing policy changes that address them.
Occupational Licensing Overview
For decades, occupations like nursing, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetology have required licensure as a means of protecting the public. Because occupational licensing regulations are enforced and controlled by each state throughout the nation, there are varying requirements and qualifications.
This makes reciprocity, the policy and process of accepting an individual’s license from another state, difficult due to significant disparities among state requirements.
Our Research
In 2016, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation funded our research in partnership with the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy to produce a report on occupational licensing. The research showed state licensing requirements have a disproportionate impact on women when their license can’t be transferred from state to state. We learned that:
Women have a higher proportion of professional licenses in healthcare, education and law.
In Missouri, women hold active professional licenses at a rate 3 times higher than men.
In the United States in 2015, 28.1% of employed women held a certification or license compared to 23.2% of employed men.
The Importance of Occupational Licensing Reform
Moving across state lines shouldn’t mean losing your ability to earn a living, but that’s the reality many families face as a result of licensing requirements.
Earlier this year we held a roundtable with a range of women entrepreneurs and experts in the field of entrepreneurship across Kansas and Missouri to understand issues facing women entrepreneurs and possible solutions.
Our research paired with what we heard from these women underscores the need for less red tape for women entrepreneurs and professionals. These changes will ease this burden on women and set the stage for a more economically powerful future.
United WE Commitment to Progress
United WE has had great success in achieving policy reform for occupational licensing, including reduced licensing fees barriers and licensing reciprocity for military spouses. More of our recent achievements are detailed here on our website.
More than ever, policymakers need to prioritize the needs of women and families in their recovery plans. Occupational licensing reform cannot be temporary or overlooked; it’s necessary for creating opportunities for prospective business owners, particularly those underrepresented in entrepreneurship today.
I encourage you to take action and visit our website to explore ways you can get involved and to view our full research report on occupational licensing.
Kindly,
Wendy D. Doyle
United WE President & CEO
From Our President & CEO: A Tribute To Our Service Members
As we approach Memorial Day, I encourage you to pause and reflect on the importance of this day. Open your ears and your heart to our community’s heroes. Service members put their lives on the line each day and their family members make great sacrifices for their loved ones to serve and protect our communities. Investing in their families is a fitting tribute to those individuals who chose to serve their communities.
This Memorial Day, I’m more reflective than ever as hundreds of thousands of American lives have been lost to COVID-19. I think about the women and families, military personnel, public safety officers, veterans, and others whose lives have been impacted. Despite the circumstances, they believed in a cause and showed up each day to fight for progress and change. If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that we must stand up for what we believe. We must overcome no matter the circumstances. No matter how high the barriers may seem. No matter how impossible the challenges may appear.
Supporting military spouses and families through our policy work is a small token of gratitude for families of fallen or injured veterans, first responders and public safety officers. United WE is a leader in creating gender equity, but our work wouldn’t be possible without state leaders who collaborate with us to advance our mission.
An example is HB 2021 that Governor Laura Kelly recently signed into law in Kansas. This important legislation furthers our mission to advance all women’s economic leadership by expanding an education fund for military and first responder spouses and family members of heroes that died, and now includes individuals injured in the line of duty. Legislation like HB 2021 is vital for the many who have lost loved ones in the line of duty and is a step in the right direction to support the dignity and livelihood of survivors and families of our heroes.
In addition, we are proud to see continued support from the legislature and Governor Parson for the Veterans’ Survivor Grant Program we advocated for in Missouri. This program helps improve the financial well-being of military and first responder families and strengthen our economy.
Finally, United WE has had great success in achieving policy reform for occupational licensing, including reduced licensing fees barriers and licensing reciprocity for military spouses. More of our recent achievements are detailed here on our website.
The economic development and empowerment of women begins with understanding what is holding women back and then generating fresh solutions to longstanding challenges. We listened and learned from the challenges our military families face through our research. We developed innovative solutions to drive policy, change, and reduced barriers for military spouses and their families. We still have work to do, and with your support, will continue to listen and generate pragmatic solutions.
This Memorial Day, I encourage you to unite with us in listening and reflecting. Ask yourself, “How can I support and remove obstacles for America’s families and our service members?”
Kindly,
Appointee Profile: Mary Barnes
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ”
Mary Barnes was appointed by County Executive Frank White Jr. to the Pension Plan Board of Trustees. In this role she will serve as an advocate in an effort to strengthen and enrich the lives of county employees through Jackson County’s pension plan.
Mary Barnes has over 20 years’ experience in the legal, education, and non-profit sectors. She is the Contract and Compliance Administrator for the Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri where she drafts, reviews, and executes contracts for real estate, vendor services and construction.
Currently, Mary serves on the Awesome Ambitions Board, is involved with the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Junior League of Kansas City and Greater Kansas City (MO) Chapter of Links, Inc. Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Mary is an entrepreneur and is the founder/owner of One of A Kind Gifts a specialty business that incorporates her unique flair for elegant presentation through baskets and unique gifts. She is committed to the empowerment of youth and works with children and teens in her local church, has served as a youth leader, and hosted a young women’s mentoring group and pageant. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, shopping, interior design, and meeting new people.
Mary is married to Jesse Barnes.
Advocating for Systemic Change.
United WE Donor Feature: Tiffany Owens
As a United WE Board Member, volunteer, donor, and Legacy Society member, Kansas City native Tiffany Owens knows how to be a true advocate for systemic change. “I support United WE because the mission transforms women’s equity through research and breaks barriers for women and families,” says Tiffany.
Growing up, Tiffany’s mother was a small business owner. Now, as a working mother herself, Tiffany understands the challenges women face and wants to pave the way for other women and most importantly, her daughter.
Tiffany truly lives her passion for gender equity, working as a private client advisor and providing tools for women to take control of their finances. “I see how the many roles women play as parent, caregiver, and professional can have an impact on their financial success. I want to help and guide them so they can take control of their financial lives. It is a big proponent of why I chose to get involved with United WE.”
“As a Board Member, I am honored to carry on the work of so many amazing women who came before me. There’s a lot of work left to be done, but I know the multi-faceted approach creates the high-level change necessary to make a bigger impact in our communities.”
Reflecting on the last 30 years of working towards gender equity, Tiffany, and other women and men like her, have given so much of their time, talent, and treasure to make United WE’s mission possible. Thank you, Tiffany, for your passion to empower women now and beyond!
“I am honored to carry on the work of so many amazing women who came before me. There’s a lot of work left to be done, but I know the multi-faceted approach creates the high-level change necessary to make a bigger impact in our communities.”
We invite you to join Tiffany and become a supporter by considering a charitable gift to support United WE. Make your gift today and learn about the United WE Legacy Society.
For questions or more information on other ways to give and volunteer, contact Melissa Ford, Director of Development at dod@united-we.org or 816.988.2006.
From Our President & CEO: 30 Years of Uniting for Women
Last week we celebrated an important milestone; 30 years prior, on April 22, 1991, we incorporated as a non-profit and nonpartisan organization in Kansas City, Missouri. We were founded by smart, bold women with an unwavering commitment to empower all women to reach their full economic potential.
I look forward to celebrating our trailblazing founders and the women who fearlessly made history over the past three decades. Throughout the year, we will honor the women who said “yes” to serve, the progress we’ve made, and the women leading the charge today for equity and opportunity. We hope to celebrate with some of these trailblazers in person on September 29 at We Work for Change, with three highly anticipated national speakers!
Celebrating our history creates the opportunity to share the vision for our future. Our goals are focused on strengthening our mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership for meaningful change. A few specifics include:
Economic Development: We will accelerate advancements in critical areas like equal pay, occupational licensing, and childcare. We are particularly passionate about a national paid family leave policy as a critical piece to support women and their families.
Civic Leadership: We will accelerate expansion of the Appointments Project®. We are now in 30 cities across Missouri and Kansas, and have launched in four additional cities across the country: Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma City, and South San Francisco. We expect to expand to three additional cities across the country by the end of the year.
Legacy of Women: We will continue honoring the trailblazing women who paved the path for change long before we became an organization. Next up we have a state park renaming in Ste. Genevieve, MO, to honor school teacher Helen Coffer Hawn.
Research: We remain dedicated to research that helps us identify gaps for and feedback from women. This year, we are partnering with a group of elected officials and community and business leaders across the state of Missouri to convene the first-ever statewide Women’s Economic Task Force. We will identify strategies, recommendations and policy solutions to improve the economic well-being of women and families.Stay tuned for an update on the status of women in Kansas later this year also.
So much of our work and progress has been thanks to volunteers, from our visionary founders 30 years ago to today’s advocates like the new Groundbreakers and Ambassadors groups. We thank the countless women who have helped us get to this point, and those who will carry the mantle forward for the next generation of changemakers.
Speaking of the next generation, 11-year-old Poppy Bash joined her father, Andy Bash of Bash & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty, “on stage” during our Champion Breakfast on April 23. As Poppy told our attendees, “It’s important for us to continue to work now for changes, so as I continue to grow, I have the opportunities available to me that I deserve.” Watch Poppy by clicking here.
We agree with Poppy; she and the millions of girls across our country deserve a more equitable world. Change is needed today to address inequities for women, and we believe the challenges are solvable. We’re committed to tackling them because we know that when women -- and girls like Poppy -- thrive, communities thrive.
We are encouraged and inspired as we reflect on this chapter of the organization, but know we have a lot of work to do. I hope you will join me this year in taking action to create opportunities, champion progress and advocate for change for women.
Thank you for your support of United WE over the past 30 years. We are looking forward to the next 30!
Warmly,
Appointee Profile: Bonnie Limbird
Governor Laura Kelly has reappointed Bonnie Limbird to the State Board of Technical Professions. The purpose of the Board is to register and license engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects.
Bonnie Limbird is an interior designer at SFS Architecture in Kansas City. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Central Missouri. Though appointed to the Board in March 2020 as a Public Member, she is well-versed herself in the intricacies and requirements of professional certifications as a registered interior designer in the state of Missouri, a LEED AP, an NCIDQ-certified designer, and a professional member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Ms. Limbird has served as president of the local Mid-America IIDA chapter, on the steering committee of the Centurions Leadership Program, as president of the PTA, on the boards of both the Friends of the Johnson County Library and the Girls Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri, and volunteered countless hours to all of these organizations before and after her appointments. She currently serves as a City Council member for the City of Prairie Village, Kansas, on the communications committee of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, and as the business manager for the Girl Scouts Day Camp for her only child, Abi’s, service unit.
Ms. Limbird’s professional work at SFS, an AIA Firm of the Year in 2018, focuses mostly on furniture space planning and specification for the firm’s diverse portfolio of clients in the commercial, government, recreation, civic, liturgical, and higher education sectors. Finding the perfect solution for each client’s unique needs for their spaces to function efficiently and beautifully is where her expertise and passion lie. When not working, volunteering, or hanging out with her family, Bonnie is avidly reading anything she can get her hands on.
Ms. Limbird's term expires June 30, 2023.
Kansas Expands Education Benefits for Families of Fallen or Injured Veterans, First Responders and Public Safety Officers
United WE praises effort to support the families of military servicemembers and public safety officers
KANSAS CITY – United WE today praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s signing of HB 2021 into law. The bill waives tuition and fees for spouses and dependents of public safety officers and personnel who are injured or disabled while performing service-related duties.
“This legislation is vital to the many Kansans who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Providing this resource and removing obstacles to higher education for the families who have sacrificed so much is a small token of gratitude, and to offer opportunities that otherwise may be unavailable,” said Rep. Troy Waymaster, bill sponsor. “I commend my fellow legislators for their hard work and support for this bill. I’m proud to have championed such an important piece of legislation and to see it through the process of becoming law.”
“The educational opportunity offered in this legislation recognizes the sacrifice of service members and helps to address the question as to how their family will be taken care of when these service members put their lives on the line,” said Rep. Susan Estes, bill sponsor. “This legislation also hits close to home, as I personally know families who have endured these situations where their loved ones have been killed or seriously injured while on duty. HB 2021 is just a small way we can give back to those families and spouses who have given so much."
United WE worked with lawmakers on HB 2021 and similar bills in Kansas and Missouri. Programs like those supported by HB 2021 help improve the financial well-being of military and first responder families and strengthen our economy.
“More access to higher educational opportunities means a stronger economy,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “We are grateful for Kansas’ leadership in supporting education and the families of public safety officers. Thank you to Governor Kelly, Rep. Waymaster, Rep. Estes and our Kansas Legislature.”
The bill amends a statue that established tuition wavier grants for dependents and spouses of public safety officers and those who died in or because of military service on or after September 11, 2001, to extend benefits to additional persons. The bill adds a definition of “public safety employee” to include employees of law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services or state correctional institutions.
The bill also authorizes the issuance of bonds to construct a state veterans’ home in northeast Kansas.
Relatedly, United WE commissions research on the status of women in Kansas with the University of Kansas's Center for Science Technology & Economic Policy. The first study was released in 2016, providing a baseline for continued research that will inform reasonable policy solutions for women and their families. This summer, United WE will unveil the latest Status of Women in Kansas research.
United WE Partners with OKC’s Vest to Bring the Appointments Project® to Oklahoma City
Kansas City, MO – April 6, 2021 – United WE and Oklahoma City’s VEST today announce a collaborative effort to help increase the number of women on community-wide boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28% women of color.
United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on civic boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and facilitates applicants for appointment.
“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the support of the National League of Cities, we're excited to work with VEST and Mayor Holt to create opportunities for women to maximize their potential and lead their community.”
United WE is partnering with local, woman-owned business VEST to provide overview webinars. VEST is a curated network of influential women working together to expedite the pipeline and pathways for more women in positions of influence and power.
"Although women represent half of the U.S. population, labor force, and businesses, we are often underrepresented in rooms where decisions impacting our community are being made. I couldn't be more proud to partner with United WE to help support more women to be prepared to serve on Oklahoma City boards and commissions," said Erika Lucas, Co-Founder of VEST.
The effort is supported by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, whose office helped connect the partners.
“This partnership between Vest, United WE and the Appointments Project® will ensure our community has a pipeline of great civic leaders ready to serve, such as on City boards or commissions,” said Mayor Holt. “We’re always looking to increase the number of women - especially women of color - on our boards at City Hall, so I’m keenly interested in that aspect of this initiative. This partnership enhances those efforts and benefits the larger community.”
Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and better community representation that leads to better lives for all.
Free public training events are planned for April 28, 2021, and May 13, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CT
To learn more about the Appointments Project® and to sign up for the trainings, visit http://united-we.org/appointments-project.
Appointee Profile: Jennifer Ingraham
“I believe what we celebrate is a reflection of what we value. The citizens of the Show Me State show us the very best of our Missouri values when they give of themselves in times of need. Whether it is steady, year-round volunteerism to our many nonprofit service organizations through AmeriCorps or coming through in times of crisis to save our farms and communities from the most recent floods, it will be a privilege to promote and recognize the service of these Missourians.”
Jennifer Ingraham has been appointed by Governor Parson to the Missouri Community Service Commission. She is passionate about this role because of its mission to strengthen Missouri communities through volunteerism and service.
Jennifer Ingraham is a working mother with 25+ years of experience in fundraising for the arts and higher education sectors. She is an Assistant Vice President for the UMKC Foundation where she provides strategic leadership for a number of university philanthropic priorities. Prior to joining the UMKC Foundation, Jennifer served in fundraising and/or corporate sponsorship roles with Kansas City Rep (where she led the capital campaign that resulted in a renovated and expanded theater), Park University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, The Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Symphony.
Jennifer serves the Greater Kansas City community through her board service to the PIEA Crossroads Arts Advisory Committee (appointed by former Mayor Sly James), Coterie Theater, Madam President Camp, Tri County Mental Health Services Foundation and WIN for KC. Jennifer also contributes time to the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, NonProfit Connect, UnitedWE Advisory Board, and her P.E.O. Chapter. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Music from Drury University and a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas.
Jennifer and her husband, Jason, have a daughter, Lauren (20), and a son, Evan (16).
City of South San Francisco Partners with National Organization to Facilitate the Appointment of More Women to Boards and Commissions
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, Councilwoman Nicolas launches the Appointments Project® with United WE in South San Francisco
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 31, 2021 – Women’s History Month may be coming to an end, but for Councilwoman Flor Nicolas, she says there’s more work to be done. Councilwoman Nicolas, along with Mayor Mark Addiego and the rest of the City Council have partnered with United Women’s Empowerment, or United WE, which aims to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership.
“We need to celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions that women have made during Women’s History Month, but we must also not rest on one’s laurels,” said Councilwoman Nicolas. “We need more women in civil leadership roles, whether it’s locally, regionally, on the state or national level.”
United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocates for women seeking opportunities to help lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and provides vetted candidates qualified for such appointments.
“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Addiego and Councilwoman Nicolas, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.”
“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase gender parity and better drive representation across civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”
Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and improve community representation which leads to a better quality of life for all.
There will be upcoming webinar training events with the Appointments Project® in the next few months to learn how to get involved, locally, with our Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in participating in this program please email CityInfo@ssf.net.
Media Inquiries:
dmc@united-we.org